The Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 is unveiled

To mark the 50th anniversary of the legendary Golf GTI, Volkswagen has unveiled the Edition 50, a special version exclusive to certain markets.

Presented during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, this GTI makes history with 321 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful production GTI ever produced. It surpasses the European GTI Clubsport and cosies up to the Golf R in terms of performance.

An impressive lap time at the Nürburgring
Tested on the demanding Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, the GTI Edition 50 clocked a record time of 7:46.13 minutes, thanks to in-house driver and engineer Benjamin Leuchter. This lap time establishes the GTI Edition 50 as the fastest of all production Golf models on this mythical track.

| Photo: Volkswagen

Refined mechanics, but without manual transmission
Mechanics is based on a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine, coupled with seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. No manual transmission version will be offered, a decision that may make teeth in purists. The special edition also inherits a lowered, firmed chassis, and a revised suspension for more precision.

For those who want even more, an optional GTI Performance set adds bridgestone half-length tires, ultra-light forged wheels, as well as akrapovič in titanium which reduces the total weight of the vehicle.

Retro design and distinctive keys
Visually, the GTI Edition 50 pays tribute to its heritage with Carreau Sports Sports, Racing Green green touches, red safety belts, a leather sports steering wheel decorated with the GTI 50 logo and several synthetic velvet accents. Outside, the style is enhanced by a black painted roof, dark exhaust ends, a degraded side strip and several logos specific to this edition.

| Photo: Volkswagen

An evocative colour palette
The car will be offered in five colours, including the iconic Tornado Red, used on legendary GTI models such as the Golf II GTI 16V and the GTI TCR. Other shades include Pure White, Moonstone Grey, Grenadilla Black Metallic and Dark Moss Green Metallic.

Bad news: Canada won’t get it
Unfortunately for Canadian fans hoping to snag one of these GTI Edition 50s, Volkswagen Canada has confirmed that the model will not be imported. The manufacturer cites an excessively high cost that would exceed the already hefty price of the 2025 Golf R, currently at $50,995 CAD. The few units produced will thus be reserved for other markets.

Imminent production start
Production of the Golf GTI Edition 50 will begin by the end of 2025 at the Wolfsburg plant in Germany. Deliveries are planned for the first quarter of 2026.